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Richie Benaud who was a former Australian captain and also known as the “voice of cricket” passed away on Friday.

He was one of the Australia’s most influential cricketers and much loved commentators.

Richie had been fighting skin cancer and suffered serious injury in a car accident in late 2013.

This is how people expressed their Sad Feelings -

Australian Prime Minister expressed his and country’s sorrow in a tweet by saying that “We have lost a cricketing champion and Australian icon. What an innings. RIP Richie Benaud.”

Current Australian Cricket Team Captain Michael Clarke also said in a statement that “My vintage, we grew up with that voice, He was a great player and a great captain. A wonderful leader of men and he continued that off the field.

He loved winning. He helped the Australian team have the attitude where they wanted to win. He played the game the right way.”

“If cricket had ever anointed a pope it would be Richie Benaud, He has been the most influential, revered and respected person in the game for 50 years.” said Jim Maxwell, one of Australia’s leading commentators.

Prime Minister Abbott later told ABC radio: “There would hardly be an Australian over the last 40 years who has not listened to Richie Benaud and who has not thrilled to his commentary or warmed to his character and personality.

He was a very effective cricketer, a great captain, a great character and great personality. He has been a part of the lives of millions of Australians and he will certainly be very much missed.”

About Richie Benaud

Richie Benaud was born in 1930. He was the excellent cricket player and captain as well. He was the first player to score 2,000 Test runs and take 200 Test wickets. Australia never lost a series under the leg-spinning all-rounder’s attacking captaincy which ran for 28 games.

Benaud took 248 Test wickets at an average of 27.03 and had a highest score of 122 in a remarkable career that saw him take five wickets 16 times.

After retirement in 1964, Benaud moved into commentary, first with the BBC in England.